Trio of players leave Sussex

Sussex have announced that Chris Liddle, Ashar Zaidi and Steffan Piolet have all left the club, following the conclusion of the 2015 season.

Left-arm seamer Liddle, who has been with the club since 2006, has left to seek opportunities elsewhere in the search for the guarantee of regular first-team cricket.

It is always a sad time when we release any player

Mark Robinson

The 31 year-old was mainly deployed by Sussex in white-ball cricket and was leading wicket-taker in three T20 seasons for the Sharks, with a best of 5 for 17 against Middlesex at Lord’s in 2012.

All-rounder Zaidi leaves after a little over two seasons at Hove. He made his LV=County Championship debut for Sussex against Yorkshire at the end of the 2013 season, taking 4 for 57 and went on to earn himself a two-year contract. Despite a century against Warwickshire earlier this year, his 2015 appearances were restricted due to a knee injury.

Fellow all-rounder Piolet has retired from the game to pursue a career in recruitment. The 27 year-old re-joined Sussex ahead of the 2014 season, after originally beginning his career at Hove before moving to Warwickshire in 2008.

He was also mainly used by Sussex in white-ball cricket over the past two seasons, but has since decided to call time on his playing career.

Sussex’s Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson said, “It is always a sad time when we release any player. Lids has been with us for nine years, been a really popular member of the squad, and has enjoyed much success in that time with the team winning trophies and we wish him luck in his search for another county.

“Ash fitted in instantly on his arrival and proved to have not only a shrewd cricket brain, but a generous, caring personality. Steff is somebody who was with us a youngster, and has played the last two years. He was a fierce competitor, a valuable member of the dressing room, and I’m sure, like Ash, will be a success in the next stage of their life.”

“On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank all three for their contribution to Sussex Cricket and wish them all the best for the future.”

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